Grovfjord Wins Green Boat Order from Oslo Port

Norway's leading cargo and ferry port, the Port of Oslo has placed an order to build one of the world’s most environmental efficient working boats possible, with Grovfjord Ship Yard.

The boat is especially designed for efficient collection of waste at the water surface. The contract sum is NOK 23 million. Expected delivery is December 2019.

Norway's shipbuilding and maintenance services has previously built the world's first full-electric fish farming boat.

"Today the boat "Pelikan" keeps our harbor area clean and tidy. The new environmental boat replaces the old port environmental boat, which during the course of 30 years has picked up about 1,500 tons (1.5 million kg) of rubbish in the harbor," said a press release from the port.

The Port of Oslo is working for an emission-free community and is a pioneer port using several zero emission solutions. Parts of our inner harbor area, is cleaner than the past 100 years. The coastal areas along the Oslofjord is one of the country's most used recreational areas, and is important for many people who like an active outdoor life.

"The new electric boat will help keep the harbor clean and tidy, without polluting the air and reducing our own climate gas emission. The boat will also provide a safe fairway for all ships and small boats that travel in the fjord," says Port Director Ingvar M. Mathisen, who is proud to be able to give Oslo a zero emission woriking boat in 2019 when Oslo is European Green Capital.

"The fact that Port of Oslo choose to build a new battery-electric boat, is to get first hand experience with this zero emission technology. This give us insight into building, using and improving charging infrastructure. Cooperating with high tech developers like Grovfjord Ship Yard is both a learning process and capacity building. This shows that our strategic focus on building expertise with battery electric vessels has been correct, and is starting to matter”, says Bård Meek-Hansen, general manager of Grovfjord Ship Yard.

He adds: "If we are to reduce climate emissions and reduce the consequences of global warming, we must develop and build fossil-free vessels. The Port of Oslo must be honored that they are leading and contributing to this. We are really looking forward to working with them and developing a new zero emission port boat. This is the world’s first of its kind in the world, as far as we now."